Folding carriage.



PATENTED MAY 26, 1903.

G. HOLTZ.

FOLDING CARRIAGE.

I APPLIOATION FILED 00129, 1902.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

H0 MODEL.

WITNESSES:

ATTORNEY PATENTED MAY 26, 1 903.

G. HOLTZ. FOLDING CARRIAGE.

APPLICATION FILED 0019, 1902.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

H0 MODEL.

' v I n 11 mm JuT-r pg 88kg WITN ESSES INVENTOR Y ATTORNEY l-fatented May 2d, 1963.

PATENT OFFICE.

GEORGE HOLTZ, OF JERSEY CITY, NEWV JERSEY.

FOLDING CARRIAGE.

:SPEGIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 729,177, dated May 26, 1903.

Application filed OctoberQ, 1902.'

To all whmn it may concern.-

Be it known that I, GEORGE HoLTz, a citizen of the United States, residing in Jersey City, in the county of Hudson, in theState of New Jersey, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Folding Carriages, of

' The following is a description of what I.

consider the best means of carrying out the invention.

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a side elevation, and Fig. 2 an end view. These figures show the construction extended conditioned for use. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the construction folded.

Fig. 4 is an end view corresponding to Fig. 3-. Figs. 5, 6, and 7 represent details detached. Fig. 5 is an elevation. Fig. 6 is a plan view with the cross-bar in the act of being closed, with the front of the carriage in its widened condition for use. Fig. 7 shows the same parts after the closure has been completed. Fig.8 shows a modification. It is a side view of one of the spring-bearings for the axle.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures where they appear.

side of the wheel.

Serial No. 126,398- (No model.)

of which has an external sleeve D, cast or otherwise formed integral therewith, extending horizontally outward. Each sleeve is smoothly finished and its exterior forms a bearing for one of the main wheels.

D D are nuts fitted by screw-threads, each on the end of a sleeve and holding the wheel thereon.

E is a shaft tapped in one sleeve and extending inward. At its inner end the diameter is reduced, as shown at E, and to this is secured by a knuckle E an extension E E, a short length E being small and the main part E beyond heing'of the same diameter as the main part E. When the structure is in the collapsed condition, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the entire length .of the extension E E is outside of the structure, and I turn it upward and cause it to lie parallel to the position by a strap or string. (Not shown.-) When the structure is to be extended, one of ,the preparatory steps is to unfold this axle 'by extending the portion E E horizontally in line with the portion E E. Then on applying moderate force the two frames A and B are moved apart, the knuckle E and the extension E E being by the extending of the 1 main frame drawn inward and caused to lie 'within'the block D and in the space between the two blocks.

T is a sleeve adapted to slide on the small ;parts E E of the axle of less length so that it may be moved axially thereon.

It has a collar T atone end.

U is a spring which urges the sleeve into theposition to cover and stifien the knuckle. When'fthe extension E E is brought down to straighten the jointed axle, the spring U urges the sleeve into the locking positionto the right in Figs. 2, 4, and 5and as the structure widens by pulling apart the frames A and B these parts serve collectively as a single and nearly rigid piece. structure is collapsed again, the collar T arrests the sleeve, and as force is applied to complete the collapsing movement the spring U is compressed and the knuckle is freed, so

It may be fastened in that When the 7 that the extension E E is easily raised, and

the structure is thereby locked in its narrow form. J

C O are folding extensions loosely riveted to the high points at the rear ends of the respective framesv A and B and each. provided with a lateral projection 0 which engages with the respective frame when these extensions are turned upward and backward to their fullest extent. The outer ends of each of these extensions is formed with a ring adapted to receive and form a stifi union with a cross-piece O, of hard wood. (Shown in Fig. 2.) The carriagein the extended condition is operated in the same manner as other carriages, the attendant grasping the cross-piece C.

The front wheels are marked X X. Each runs on a finished lateral arm G formed integral with the sliding side frames G G. There are two of these side'frames, each having a horizontal portion; G, which is toothed, as indicated by g, and is guided in supports in the frames A and B. The front end of each of these side frames is bent sharply downward, as indicated by G.

H H are two front frames pivoted to the main frames A and B, respectively, and cap'able of being more than half-revolved thereon. Each is provided with an internallytoothed segment H h, forged or cast integral with the respective frames H, and the parts are arranged so that the frames H may be raised into the upright position to induce the folded condition of the structure shown in Figs. 3 and 4 and afterward lowered into the horizontal position or still lower into the drooping position. (Shown in Fig. l.) The latter gives the carriage the character sometimes designated .by the term go cart. The geared segments H h, as also the toothed frame G g, are engaged in commonwith asinglesmall gear-wheel F, on each side loosely carried, by means of pivots A and B on short downward extensions from the frames A and B, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. These gear-wheels F are sufficiently wide to engage with each, and-it follows that the raising and lowering of thesepivoted front frames H insures that the wheels F shall be turned and that the frames G G, and consequently the front wheels X, shall be correspondingly moved forward and backward. The raising of the front frames H into the upright position turns the wheels F so far that the frames G are slid back to their extreme rearmost position. In this position the back ends of the frames G nearly coincide with the back end of the bases of the side frames A and B. Thus positioning the parts effects the desired contraction of the carriage longitudinally. When the carriage is to be again put in condition for use, the frames H are forcibly turned forward and downward, and the motion acting through the gear-wheels F insures that the front wheels shall move forward into the potions for use shown in Fig. 1.

I I I are longitudinal hinged braces loosely riveted each at its rear end to the corresponding frame A or B and loosely riveted at its front end to the frame G on its respective side. When the carriage is extended for use, these hinged braces should drop into the straight position. If they do not do so of their own accord, they should be touched by the hand. The joint is a rule-joint, and it is arrested in the proper straight condition. When the carriage is to be folded again, one of the preparatory steps is to deflect these braces upward at the mid-length by touching with the fingers or otherwise.

The main frames A and B are strongly but extensibly connected by hinged cross-braces J J J of which Jand J are of equal lengths,

united by a rule-joint J, and loosely riveted at their ends to the frames A and B, respectively. This brace is depressed into the horizontal position to maintain the proper distance apart of the frames when the carriage is extended. To collapse the carriage, this brace must be deflected upward at the center. The front of the structure is transversely braced and released ina diiferent manner.

K is a bar of steel or other suitable material loosely riveted to a short arm extending around from the front and lower end of one of the frames G G on the inside and arranged to swing horizontal-1y. When the carriage is in the collapsed condition, this bar extends longitudinally and idly along the interior of the structure. When the carriage is extended for use, this bar K is swung around into a position transverse of the structure and the previously-free end properly formed for en-.

gagement', as shown, is united to a short arm G conversely formed, extending inward from the opposite frame G and carrying a longitudinally-sliding sleeve L, loosely secured by a screw K, receivedin a slot Z. The short arm G carries a horizontal pin G and the bar K is equipped with a hole k to receive it. The meeting surfaces are beveled and rounded, as shown, and on swinging the bar K into position it presses the sleeve out of the way and snaps into place, and the sleeve, urged inward by a spring M, engages it. The bar K thus engaged serves as an efficient distance-piece,

holding the front of the structure firmly to the proper width. When the carriage is to be collapsed, the sleeve L is pressed outward by the fingers against the gentle force of the spring M and the bar K is swung a quarterrevolution on its pivot and is idle again, after which the front of the structure is free to be contracted laterally.

The upper rails A B of the respective side frames A B serve both as a hand-rail for the child and as a convenient handle for transporting the collapsed carriage.

A is a short spring, which may be of similar steel to the longer spring A but preferably thinner. It contributes to the support, especially against lateral strains.

P is a long slotted support pivoted to the front H and taking-hold by its slot p of a pin A. There is one on each side. They contribute to hold the front frame H against its descent too low under any conditions when extended, and by means of a notch 19 in the side of the slot 19, engaging with the pin A they hold the structure reliably in the folded condition.

Modifications may be made without departing from the principle or sacrificing the advantages of the invention.

I have in my experiments made the frames A and B and most of the parts of cast metal; but this may be varied, taking care to have them as light as practicable. The curves and contours of the several parts may be varied to promote a pleasing eifect on the eye or for other purposes. Lattice-work or fabric of various grades may be used to complete the body. The bottom may be thin wood in two portions, hinged together and to the side frames A and B, as Will be obvious.

Fig. 8 shows provisions by a rigid jaw carried on the side frame for supporting the spring-bearing laterally, which connects the main body to the main shaft E.

I claim as my invention-- 1. In a collapsible carriage the main axle arranged to slide through one of the wheelcenters and having portions of a reduced diameter and a knuckle-joint in such reduced portion, in combination with the sleeve T adapted to be shifted longitudinally of the shaft for stiifening the latter, all arranged for joint operation substantially as herein specified.

2. In a collapsible carriage the main axle arranged to slide through one of the wheelcenters and having portions of a reduced diameter and a knuckle-joint in such reduced portion, in combination with the a sleeve T adapted to be shifted longitudinally of the shaft for stifiening the latter, and the spring U for automatically operating it to maintain the extended condition of the carriage, all arranged for joint operation substantially as herein specified.

3. In a collapsible carriage the main axle arranged to slide through one of the Wheelcenters and having portions of a reduced diameter, and a knuckle-joint in such reduced portion, in combination with the sleeve T adapted to be shifted longitudinally of the shaft, arranged to present such joint close to the exterior of the wheel when the carriage is contracted so that the part E E serves the double function of prolonging the axle at one period and of locking the parts in the contracted condition at another period, all substantially as herein specified.

4. In a collapsible carriage-wheel bearings constructed as sleeves 0n blocks carrying the weight through the medium of springs, the

main axle arranged to slide through one of the wheel-centers and having a knuckle to allow of folding to contract the width of the rear end, the combination therewith of the pivoted bar K at the front and lateral engaging arm G and the pin Gr engaging in the hole adapted to hold the extended width of the structure reliably, all arranged to serve substantially as herein specified.

5. In a collapsible carriage, wheel-bearings constructed as sleeves on blocks carrying the weight through the medium of springs, the main axle arranged to slide through one of the wheel-centers and having a knuckle to allow of folding to contract the width of the rear end, the combination therewith of the pivoted bar K at the front and lateral engaging arm G and the pin Gr engaging in thehole 70 adapted to hold the external Widthof the structure reliably, and the sleeve T and spring U to automatically engage the bar when properly placed, all arranged to serve substantially as herein specified.

6. In a collapsible carriage the frames G G sliding in supports in the main frame A B and carrying the front wheels X with capacity to move apart and together laterally, and also to expand and contract in the length,

the hinged frames H each having geared segments H, independent on the two sides and the gear-wheels F engaging with teeth both on the frames G and segments H, all combined and arranged to serve substantially as herein specified.

7. In a collapsible carriage the main axle arranged to slide through one of the wheelcenters and having portions of a reduced diameter and a knuckle-joint in such reduced portion, in combination with the sleeve T adapted to be shifted longitudinally of the shaft, arranged to present such joint close to the exterior of the wheel when the carriage is contracted so that the part E E serves the double function of prolonging the axle at one period and of locking the parts in the contract-' ed condition at another period, the frames A B having horizontal top bars A B adapted to serve both as hand-rails for the child and as handles for easy transportation of the collapsed carriage, all substantially as herein specified.

In testimony that I claim the invention above set forth I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE HOLTZ.

Witnesses:

J. B. CLAUTIOE, M. F. BOYLE. 

